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Plastic SurgeryDiagnostic

Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA)

Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA): Burn Injury: Transfer Needed? → ABA Transfer Criteria Met? → TBSA Criteria → Transfer to Burn Center.

Interactive Decision Tree

Mini Map

Algorithm Steps

  1. ▶
    Start

    Burn Injury: Transfer Needed?

    1. ◆
      Decision

      ABA Transfer Criteria Met?

      1. ●
        Action

        TBSA Criteria

        • Partial >10% TBSA
        • Full thickness any size
        • Age <10 or >50: lower threshold
        1. ■
          End

          Transfer to Burn Center

          Contact burn center, stabilize, arrange transport

      2. ●
        Action

        Special Locations

        • Face, hands, feet
        • Genitalia, perineum
        • Major joints
        • Circumferential limb/trunk
      3. ●
        Action

        Special Mechanisms

        • Electrical (including lightning)
        • Chemical burns
        • Inhalation injury
      4. ●
        Action

        Patient Factors

        • Significant comorbidities
        • Associated trauma
        • Children at non-pediatric hospital
        • Social/suspected abuse
      5. ■
        End

        Manage Locally

        If resources adequate and no criteria met

Guideline Source

ABA Burn Center Referral Criteria

DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irz154View Guideline

Clinical Safety Information

Clinical Decision Support — Not a Substitute for Clinical Judgment

Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

Known Limitations

  • Transfer logistics depend on regional resources
  • Stabilization takes priority over transfer
  • Some criteria are relative, not absolute

Applicable Regions

USAUUKEU

AU: ANZBA similar criteria

UK: National Burn Care Review criteria

US: ABA criteria standard

Version 1Next review: 2028-01-01

Related Plastic Surgery Pathways

Breast Reconstruction Timing Algorithm (NCCN/ASPS)

Management

Burn Depth Assessment Algorithm

Diagnostic

Burn Resuscitation (Parkland Formula / ABA Guidelines)

Management

Degloving Injury Management

Emergency

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA)?

The Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA) is a diagnostic clinical algorithm for Plastic Surgery. It provides a structured decision tree to guide clinical decision-making, based on ABA Burn Center Referral Criteria.

What guideline is the Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA) based on?

This algorithm is based on ABA Burn Center Referral Criteria (DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irz154).

What are the limitations of the Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA)?

Known limitations include: Transfer logistics depend on regional resources; Stabilization takes priority over transfer; Some criteria are relative, not absolute. Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

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